Review Blog

Feb 20 2013

Life in Outer Space by Melissa Keil

Hardie Grant Egmont, 2013. ISBN: 9781742973951.
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Hardie Grant Egmont seems passionate
about publishing debut novels, and the first book developed for
what's being called The
Ampersand Project is Melissa Keil's novel, Life in
Outer Space.
I had heard nothing about it, no build up or word-of-mouth. I found
it in Big W of all places (although it has since turned up in my ASO
pack), and I just loved it. I think my preferred YA contemporary
novels are those with male protagonists, and Sam is the perfect
example of such a narrator. He is a clever nerd, with only four
friends and a routine life exactly as he wants. It's safe. As long
as the arrogant Justin Zigoni and his group (who Sam refers to as
'the Vessels of Wank') leave him alone.
When bold and unique Camilla arrives at school, his organised world
is turned on its head. Camilla refuses to fit into any group, any
stereotype, any clique, and - horror of horrors! - she invades his
familiar spaces and talks to him, without irony, and without
embarrassment. Admittedly, the friendship begins online behind World
of Warcraft avatars, but eventually their IRL ('in real life')
encounters occur almost daily, and Sam's confusion and cluelessness
is adorable and funny.
Sam only talks to Camilla because he believes there is no way she
could possibly be interested in a romantic relationship. His self
worth, governed by the moronic high school hierarchy, gives Sam the
opportunity to befriend Camilla, although she isn't one to be
refused. She is determined to be part of their group, and her
matter-of-fact way of joining conversations, and ignoring the
possibility of becoming socially outcast, is pure sass and blustery
confidence. I have rarely seen such a genuine character in YA. She's
pretty awesome really. Sam's friends are not shoved to the side. We
see that Mike is struggling with issues, although it takes till the
end of the novel before Sam is able to figure out how to make him
talk. His gayness is dealt with honestly and affectionately. Allison
seems to be smitten with Sam, yet her storyline is resolved
positively, and Adrian, well, he stayed Adrian. Sam is loyal and
cares for his friends, another of his great traits. Hmm, I might be
gushing, a bit.
Keil uses film, specifically the Horror genre, to highlight her main
concerns, to pull the male readers in, and to weave a consistent
theme through her narrative, which is all about self perception and
figuring out who you are. Great to see a positive and fun Australian
YA contemporary. In the vein of Gabrielle Williams and Fiona Wood.
Trisha Buckley